Tractorman

Have you checked for trouble codes? If so, what are they? Most of the time (not always) codes will show up when a VP44 injection pump begins to fail. - John

When the stumbling and dying occurs, does it happen after the engine has been shut off for a long period of time? If so, there is a possibility that air is entering the fuel system somewhere, maybe related to the R&R of the VP44. Did you perform any other work when you replaced the VP44? Are you getting any trouble codes? - John

This is from a 2002 FSM, but may work for you truck. - John

It might be worth a try to swap front wheels left to right to see if there is a difference in sound location. What speeds do you need to attain to make the sound occur? Also, is it possible that something is rubbing (not related to wheel bearings) due to the lean of your truck when turning left? - John

There should be a test port located on either the fuel filter housing or the VP44 inlet port. A 0-30 psi gauge would be suitable for the test. If there isn't a test port available, there is an aftermarket banjo fitting with a 1/8" female pipe port that will replace the fuel inlet fitting on the VP44. A lot of VP44 truck owners either have a dash-mounted fuel pressure gauge or a low pressure warning light for the lift pump. - John

The P0216 code is related to injection pump timing - usually a fault inside the VP44 fuel injection pump. When that code sets, the ECM will likely de-rate the engine output. So, yes, that code will most likely be a VP44 pump failure. Before condemning the VP44, verify that you have at least 5 psi lift pump fuel pressure, especially at higher engine loads. - John

A "dead pedal" symptom is the engine dropping to an idle and staying there. What you are describing is likely to be the ECM commanding the engine to operate in a "de-rate" condition. This can be caused by many things, but not likely to be the ECM. Need to know if you have any trouble codes displayed. This would greatly help with what direction to go with diagnosing. If there are no trouble codes set, then I would start looking for mechanical issues. Take your time - don't focus on just the ECM. - John

Congratulations! - John

Agree with the potential serious accident / starting a fire scene if the the lift pump relay is wired to a source that is in the "Run" position of the ignition switch. Back in the early 2000's when Chrysler Daimler was warrantying VP44 injection pumps, they also retrofitted an in-tank lift pump at the same time, which was also covered by warranty. The wiring connector from the removed engine block-mounted lift pump was connected to the coil part of a new relay that was included with the retrofit. This kept the integrity of having the ECM control the lift while at the same time reducing the electrical load of the ECM. From what I have seen in the past is that FASS does not provide instruction to wire the relay in this manner. Personally, I think it is a better method to wire the lift pump control circuit to the relay coil for the added safety. - John

Your OEM engine block mounted lift pump is operated directly by the ECM. Lift pumps typically draw 8 to 12 amps depending on make and model. A relay will remove this heavy electrical load from the ECM. You can still use the ECM to trigger the coil on the relay (only about 200 milliamps). Deutsch 2-pn connectors should match your 2-pin connector on the OEM lift pump and are available on Amazon. This way you can easily extend the OEM wiring harness to wherever the relay is mounted. - John

Not to familiar with the FASS Titanium features, but if its filtration is equal to or exceeds OEM filtration, you could go directly to the VP44. Just make sure that your new line from the FASS system is absolutely clean before connecting to the VP44. One benefit to be gained by connecting to the OEM filter housing, besides additional filtration, would be a less likelihood of contaminating the VP44 during installation. Are you installing a relay to be triggered by the ECM on your new installation? - John

In his first post he said that he installed new batteries last summer. - John

Sounds like you have been thorough in taking care of things since you acquired the truck. Have you checked the conditions of all battery connections and frame / body wiring grounds? There is a wiring modification for the VP44 trucks that is called W-T ground reference wiring mod (by William Timothy Burke). The wiring modification addresses long wiring routes and poor ground connections for the PCM and the ECM. This wiring mod can reduce electrical interference in circuits joining computerized components. Here is a link to the W-T ground reference wiring mod: https://mopar1973man.com/cummins/articles.html/24-valve-2nd-generation_50/51_engine/electrical/ground-reference-vp44ecmpcmpdc-plus-tc-lockunlock-r567/?do=getLastComment&d=4&id=567 Also, check the mechanical low idle screw condition under the hood. You will have to remove the plastic throttle cover (if it is still there) to gain access. Another member posted similar symptoms as yours and it turned out to be the idle adjustment screw was loose allowing for irregular throttle positions at idle. - John

I think I know what you are saying, but since there is an inner and outer bearing on each side, I would say it like this: When the vehicle is turned hard left, the inner bearing on the passenger side would have a lateral force placed against it while the outer bearing on the driver side would have a lateral force placed against it. I think that the left front wheel bearing should at least be taken apart and inspected. How many miles were / are on those front wheel bearings? - John

Have you checked that the wheel lug nuts on both front wheels are tight? Also, have you checked the front wheels for any cracks? - John

It's tough to have to do the job twice, but I'm glad to hear that DAP is taking care of you. - John

Please let us know what DAP has to say. - John

I recommend giving DAP a call and tell them what you have written here. The P0216 sounds like a timing failure and is likely to be internal to the VP44. From the FSM: P0216 (M) Fuel Injection Pump Timing Failure High fuel supply restriction, low fuel pressure or possible wrong or incorrectly installed pump keyway. Is your fuel pressure sensor located right at the VP44? If so, assuming that your reading of fuel pressure is steady, then you don't have a lift supply problem. - John

Is your engine stock, or are using a tuner? I use a Smarty S03 and the 0602 code is normal (as stated by Smarty). The 0216 code does not sound good, especially with good lift pump pressure. Did the VP44 pump you bought from DAP use a remanufactured PSG or a new PSG (1 yr vs. 2 yr warranty)? You want to have a VP44 that has be run through a program on the Bosch 815 test stand - no exceptions. - John

@YeaImDylan, how did the seal fail - leaking around the lip or seal pushed out? Also, did you check lift pump pressure with a mechanical gauge? What were the results? I seriously doubt there are any issues with the overflow valve. The overflow valve is of simple design and very reliable. The VP44 input shaft seal would only be exposed to lift pump pressure. Any fuel flow passing over the internal vane pump (also referred to as "feed pump") pressure regulating valve is returned directly to the suction side of the feed pump. The suction side of the feed pump is in common with fuel entering the VP44 from the lift pump. Those pressures would be equal. This is the pressure the shaft seal would see. - John

So, are you saying the seal lip did not fail - the whole seal just got pushed out? - John

If the engine idles smoothly and runs normally under load, I don't think the injectors would be the cause. Just curious - what is your lift pump pressure? - John

You could do a quick check for engine blow-by using the bouncing oil cap method. Otherwise, I would just clean up the engine compartment, then start the engine and perform very short drives inspecting the engine compartment frequently for leaks, blow-by, etc. Doesn't sound good. - John

I don't have any recommendation, but Rock Auto usually has many choices ranging from economy to heavy duty parts. Just out of curiosity, how many miles on your truck. I would think that front wheel bearings on a two-wheel drive truck would last for a very long time - especially a truck with a manual transmission. Edit: Never mind my comment. I just looked up the part on Rock Auto and it appears that unit bearings are used. I thought they were the old style inner and outer bearing which would last forever. - John

I have been camping for the past few days, consequently I am giving a late response. The APPS is for the '98.5-'02 Cummins VP44 fueling system.